The Commission develops positive human relations through education and efforts toward understanding and encourages and promotes equal opportunity under the law. The Commission promotes human and civil rights, respect of ethnic and cultural differences, and the freedom of all persons from unlawful discrimination and harassment under its local ordinance, State, and Federal laws.

Geographic area(s) served: City of ConcordType(s) of publications: None

The aims of this Commission are to promote positive human relations, protect and promote human and civil rights, and eliminate prejudice and discrimination. The city's 1983 civil rights ordinance prohibits discrimination against all federally protected classes and on the basis of sexual orientation. The Commission investigates complaints, reviews legislation, and organizes conferences and education programs.

The Commission, which is composed of seven volunteer members, was founded to promote understanding and positive relations among the citizens of El Cerrito. The city, which is fairly well integrated, has a population of approximately 23,000, of which 10 percent is black and 25 percent Asian or Asian American. As part of its agenda, the Commission evaluates and makes recommendations regarding discrimination charges levied against the city. The Commission has no budget.

Geographic area(s) served: City of El CerritoType(s) of publications: None

The City of Fontana is committed to creating a community known for safety, beauty, and diversity in housing, business, and recreational/athletic opportunities and services. The city recognizes that it is the diverse background, cultures, and interest of its citizens that make it unique.

Geographic area(s) served: City of FontanaType(s) of publications: Quarterly, monthly, and semiannual booklets

The Commission promotes harmonious relations among the different cultures and people of Fresno. The HRC monitors discrimination and hate crimes, develops positive programs to address these issues, mediates disputes, and celebrates cultural diversity.

Geographic area(s) served: City of FresnoType(s) of publications: None

Hayward's 1992 Anti-Discrimination Plan, which the Commission was directed to implement, addresses three issues: illegal forms of discrimination (against federally protected classes and on the basis of sexual orientation), accessibility issues, and discriminatory attitudes. The implementation of the plan requires close collaboration with community groups and ethnic organizations, particularly in the prompt reporting of complaints.

Geographic area(s) served: City of HaywardType(s) of publications: None

The Commission promotes improved intergroup relations and works to eliminate conflict, discrimination, and prejudice based on race, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, and disability.

The Commission advises the Mayor and City Council about the state of community relations and intergroup relations, including emergency issues; investigates and reports on problems that adversely affect the ability of people to live and work together; promotes the reduction of community conflict and tension; and creates programs that build respect, tolerance, and skills in nonviolent problem solving.

Geographic area(s) served: City of Los AngelesType(s) of publications: Position papers, reports, and policy studies

The Commission was created under the Modesto Municipal Code with the goals of fostering positive intergroup relations, working toward the elimination of discrimination, and serving as a fair housing clearinghouse for Stanislaus County. It has seven members who meet monthly. In response to complaints of discrimination, the Commission attempts to reach a settlement through mediation. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

Geographic area(s) served: City of ModestoType(s) of publications: None

The Commission's mandate is to create an environment in which all residents of the county may learn, work, and play in harmony and may realize their highest potential unhampered by discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigrant status, gender, age, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or mental or physical disabilities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Geographic area(s) served: County of AlamedaType(s) of publications: None

The Commission is established by the city charter to make certain that equal opportunity and access is afforded to all citizens. Two current ad-hoc committees include the Diversity Network and a homeless advisory campaign.

Geographic area(s) served: City of Palo AltoType(s) of publications: None

The mission of the Commission is to engage in activities designed to aid in elimination of prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination and to assist the city in achieving better intergroup understanding. A 1987 city ordinance prohibits discrimination against the federally protected classes and on the basis of sexual orientation. Consisting of 11 members, the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council, although it does not have any legal authority. The Commission investigates complaints and refers cases to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or the Equal Opportunity Office.

Geographic area(s) served: City of PasadenaType(s) of publications: None

The Human Relations Committee advises the City Council on issues that affect the quality of life, and pays special attention to helping protect and promote the rights and needs of individuals and groups in Pittsburg. Citizen concerns can be heard and acted on by completing a Citizen Input form.

Geographic area(s) served: City of PittsburgType(s) of publications: None

Through its Business Opportunity Program and ordinance, the City of Richmond is committed to these basic goals: ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved in city contracting; increasing economic opportunities for small, local, and minority- and women-owned businesses; and fostering the formation and development of local business. The Office accepts complaints of discrimination, conducts preliminary investigations, and attempts mediation. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the appropriate office.

Geographic area(s) served: City of RichmondType(s) of publications: Program handbook

The Commission works to reduce prejudice among all people; promotes intergroup relations; sponsors educational forums and activities; advises the City Council on interethnic relations; promotes and encourages good police and community relations; and assists other public and private agencies in providing equitable opportunities to all people in fair housing, employment, education, and health.

Geographic area(s) served: City of RiversideType(s) of publications: None

The Department has the mission of protecting and safeguarding the rights of all persons to be free from unlawful discrimination. The Department is the administering agency for California's civil rights laws. These laws prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, services, and public accommodations on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or physical disability, and denial of family care leave.

Geographic area(s) served: State of CaliforniaType(s) of publications: Directory of Human Rights

The Commission's goals are to receive and resolve citizens' complaints of discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, and public accommodations. The Commission also facilitates programs aimed at providing equal housing opportunities and community stability.

Geographic area(s) served: City and County of SacramentoType(s) of publications: Newsletter

The Commission advises the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager on methods of assuring that all residents of the city have equal access to economic, political, and educational opportunities; equal access to accommodations in all businesses; and equal service and protection from all public agencies. Under a city ordinance, the Commission investigates complaints of discrimination against the federally protected classes and those based on sexual orientation and medical condition. In addition, the Commission is responsible for creating programs and educational materials that inform local residents of their civil rights and the services of the Commission. The Commission investigates complaints of discrimination and attempts mediation; however, as it has no enforcement power, mediation requires the voluntary participation of all parties.

Geographic area(s) served: City of San DiegoType(s) of publications: None

The Commission endeavors to protect basic human and civil rights of all individuals. The Commission provides administrative adjudication, enforces housing regulations, and promotes civil rights legislation. The Commission serves as a valuable information resource and provides educational services that inform local residents of their civil rights and the programs of the Commission.

Geographic area(s) served: State of CaliforniaType(s) of publications: None

The Commission fights discrimination, under the Administrative Code of the City of San Francisco barring discrimination and encouraging positive race relations. In addition to the federally protected classes, the code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and AIDS and related medical conditions. It also prohibits restrictions on the number of occupants.

Geographic area(s) served: City of San FranciscoType(s) of publications: None

CAHRO (nonprofit) endeavors to promote full acceptance of all persons; to protect basic human and civil rights; and, through its networking, serve as a resource for information sharing, research support, consultation and technical assistance, and resolution of interethnic or intergroup conflict. It conducts an annual training symposium.

Geographic area(s) served: State of CaliforniaType(s) of publications: None

The Commission strives to deal with intergroup tensions and foster mutual understanding and respect among residents, to help to eliminate prejudices, intolerances, and discrimination in order to make Orange County a better place for all people to live, work, and do business.

Geographic area(s) served: County of OrangeType(s) of publications: Occasional newsletter

The Commission was created to promote tolerance and understanding among divergent groups throughout Santa Barbara County. As it has no legal power, its function is solely advisory. Currently, the Commission's focus is on diversity and ethnicity in school curriculums.

Geographic area(s) served: County of Santa BarbaraType(s) of publications: None